Smoke detectors from $185 + gst

How they work

There are two different types of smoke detectors that are used today. Both detectors get the same job done, however, they go about in different ways, specifically in the way they detect smoke, and the environments these detectors can be placed/used in.

OPTICAL DETECTOR

The first smoke detector being discussed is used most commonly in public areas fit for larger domains. The Optical Smoke Detector, also referred to as a Photoelectric Type Device, uses a light source to detect smoke. The Infra-Red LED is a lens that shots a beam over a large area. If smoke is present in the room, it enters the optical chamber, having smoke particles scatter and sensor sets of the alarm. In very large areas where a smoke detector is placed, there are two optical detectors that send the straight line of infra-red beam from a sender to a receiver. Optical Smoke Detectors are less sensitive to false alarm fire, such as minor smoke from candles, cooking, steam, etc.

IONIZATION DETECTOR

The cheaper alternative smoke detector is the Ionization Smoke Detector. Like the Optical Smoke Detector, the Ionization Smoke Detector is able to sense smoke particles that are too small for the naked eye. Through alpha radiation, the ionization smoke detector passes through the air-filled space container, allowing flow of electrodes. However if any smoke gets inside the chamber and absorbs the alpha particles, it lowers the level of ionization, hurting the flow of electrodes, thus setting off the alarm. Unlike the Optical Smoke Detector, this model is very inexpensive and more commonly placed in individual homes rather than larger public areas. While the Ionization Smoke Detector was first discovered by a Swiss Company in the 1930s, their method of creating the ionization detector used too much power and radioactive material, being unrealistic to use in households. Pearsall’s team accidently discovered a more efficient and less expensive battery operated smoke detector. Though this invention, Pearsall noted, “It was a source of considerable satisfaction to learn that about then many instances throughout the country in which our devices were credited with saving lives, sometimes of whole families.”